This page was updated on November 6, 2018, after the completion of all debates.
Out of 78 key Senate and gubernatorial debates this year, only 23 featured a question about climate change, or 29 percent. Media Matters analyzed debates in close Senate and gubernatorial races to determine whether a moderator or panelist asked the candidates a climate question.
This year's percentage was a modest improvement over 2016, when only 22 percent of key debates we analyzed included a moderator's or panelist's question about climate change.
The percentage of debates this year that included a climate question went up dramatically after October 7, when the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a dire report explaining the extreme urgency of fighting climate change. In debates before the report came out, only 7 percent included a climate question. In debates after the report was released, 43 percent included at least one question about climate change from a moderator or panelist. For more analysis, see this post.
For debates that featured a climate question, we have included video clips of the questions and answers below (and in some cases, links to transcripts). For all debates, we have listed the moderators, panelists, and sponsoring organizations, and posted links to full debate video or audio.
We focused on competitive races -- those ranked by the Cook Political Report as being a “toss-up” or “lean R” or “lean D” as of September 19. Here are the races in which we tracked debates:
Alaska governor
Kansas governor
North Dakota senator
Arizona senator
Maine governor
Ohio governor
Colorado governor
Michigan governor
Ohio senator
Connecticut governor
Minnesota governor
Oregon governor
Florida governor
Minnesota senator
Rhode Island governor
Florida senator
Missouri senator
Tennessee senator
Georgia governor
Nevada governor
Texas senator
Illinois governor
Nevada senator
West Virginia senator
Indiana senator
New Mexico governor
Wisconsin governor
Climate threats: Alaska is at risk from extreme heat, coastal flooding, and wildfires, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Bill Walker (independent) -- incumbent -- (withdrew from race on October 19)
Mike Dunleavy (R)
Mark Begich (D)
Billy Toien (Libertarian)
debates:
Date: September 5
Hosted by: Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce, KINY-AM
Moderator: Pete Carran (KINY-AM host)
Audio: KINY-AMY
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: September 10
Hosted by: Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Tim Thompson (Alaska Airlines spokesman)
Video and partial transcript: Anchorage Daily News
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 2
Hosted by: Alaska Airmen Association
Moderators: Corey Hester (Alaska Airmen Association executive director), Adam White (Alaska Airmen Association government and legislative affairs director)
Video: Anchorage Daily News
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 15
Hosted by: Union of Students of the University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, University of Alaska Anchorage Economics Club, Atwood Foundation, Seawolf Debate Program
Moderator: Steve Johnson (Seawolf Debate Program director)
Video: Anchorage Daily News' Facebook page
Climate questions: There were no climate-related questions asked during the debate.
Date: October 25
Hosted: Alaska Public Media, KTUU
Moderated by: Lori Townsend (Alaska Public Radio Network news director), Mike Ross (KTUU anchor)
Panelists: Andrew Kitchenman (KTOO reporter), Richard Mauer (KTUU reporter)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Ross noted that climate change is driving Arctic warming before asking the candidates how they would balance Alaska's reliance on fossil fuels with the need to reduce carbon emissions. Panelist Mauer followed up by pressing the candidates further on how they would address climate change. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Arizona is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Martha McSally (R)
Kyrsten Sinema (D)
debate:
Date: October 15
Hosted by: The Arizona Republic and Arizona PBS
Moderators: Maria Polletta (Arizona Republic reporter), Ted Simons (Arizona PBS host)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Polletta asked McSally and Sinema whether they believe climate change is a human-caused problem and how they plan to combat it. See the transcript and video:
Climate threats: Colorado is at risk from drought and wildfires, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Walker Stapleton (R)
Jared Polis (D)
debates:
Date: October 5
Hosted by: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Business Journal
Moderator : Ed Sealover (Denver Business Journal reporter)
Video: 9NEWS.com
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 5
Hosted by: Colorado Public Television, CBS Denver, KOA Newsradio, The Colorado Sun
Moderator: Shaun Boyd (CBS Denver political specialist)
Panelists: Dominic Dezzutti (Colorado Public Television vice president of content), Marty Lenz (KOA Newsradio host), John Frank (The Colorado Sun reporter)
Video: CBS Denver’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 6
Hosted by: Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado Mesa University, The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
Moderator: John Ferrugia (Rocky Mountain PBS managing editor)
Panelists: Charles Ashby (Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reporter), Dennis Herzog (Colorado Mesa University adjunct lecturer)
Video: Rocky Mountain PBS’ YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 8
Hosted by: The Pueblo Chieftain, 2020 Commission's Governance Task Force, Pueblo Community College's Center for New Media, Colorado State University-Pueblo
Moderator: Steve Henson (The Pueblo Chieftain editor)
Video: FOX21News.com
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 13
Hosted by: KOAA-TV, The Gazette
Moderator: Rob Quirk (KOAA-TV anchor)
Panelists: Joey Bunch (Gazette political reporter), Elizabeth Watts (KOAA-TV anchor)
Video: KOAA’S YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 17
Hosted by: The Coloradoan, KUSA-TV, Colorado State University
Moderators: Kyle Clark (KUSA anchor), Marshall Zelinger (KUSA political investigative reporter)
Video: KUSA’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: Moderator Clark noted the recent United Nations report on climate change, then asked Stapleton about Colorado’s decision to adopt California’s auto emissions standards and asked Polis about his support for a carbon tax. Watch the video:
Date: October 23
Hosted by: The Denver Post, ABC 7, University of Denver’s Center on American Politics
Moderators: Anne Trujillo (ABC 7 anchor), Nic Garcia (The Denver Post political reporter)
Video: TheDenverChannel.com
Climate questions: Moderator Garcia asked the candidates about their plans to address climate change during their first year as governor, noting that climate was “the No. 1 topic” the public wanted to hear about. Moderator Trujillo followed up with a second question about climate change for Stapleton. See the transcript and video:
Climate threats: Connecticut is at risk from inland flooding and coastal flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Bob Stefanowski (R)
Ned Lamont (D)
Oz Griebel (independent)
debates:
Date: September 12
Hosted by: Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, The Day
Moderator: Ann Nyberg (WTNH-TV anchor/reporter)
Panelists: Paul Choiniere (The Day editorial page editor), Izaskun E. Larrañeta (The Day deputy managing editor), Mark Davis (WTNH-TV chief political correspondent)
Video: YouTube
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: September 17
Hosted by: Connecticut Association of Realtors, WTNH-TV
Moderator: Michael Barbaro (Connecticut Association of Realtors president)
Panelists: Mark Davis (WTNH-TV chief political correspondent), Kristi Olds (CTR.tv spokesperson), Russell Blair (The Hartford Courant content editor)
Video: WTNH-TV YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: September 26
Hosted by: WFSB-TV
Moderator: Dennis House (WFSB anchor)
Panelists: Emilie Munson (Hearst Media capital reporter), Chris Hanna (Daily Campus editor-in-chief)
Video: WFSB.com
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 18
Hosted by: Connecticut Broadcasters Association
Moderator: John Dankosky (WNPR news director)
Panelists: Jennifer Bernstein (WTIC anchor), Keisha Grant (NBC Connecticut anchor), Dennis House (WFSB anchor), Keith Kountz (WTNH anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Dankosky referenced the United Nations’ recent report on climate change and noted that 60 percent of Connecticut residents want the governor to act on climate change, then asked the candidates what they would do about the problem. Watch the video:
Date: October 30
Hosted by: Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, WTNH-TV, The Hartford Courant
Moderator: Ann Nyberg (WTNH-TV anchor)
Panelists: Keith Kountz (WTNH-TV anchor), Daniela Altimari (The Hartford Courant correspondent), Joe DeLong (Connecticut Conference of Municipalities executive director)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: November 5
Hosted by: WPLR
Moderators: Chaz & AJ (WPLR hosts)
Video: WSFB.com
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Florida is at risk from extreme heat, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Ron DeSantis (R)
Andrew Gillum (D)
debates:
Date: October 21
Hosted by: CNN
Moderator: Jake Tapper (CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent)
Video: CNN
Climate questions: Moderator Tapper asked about climate change in his first question of the debate. See the transcript and video:
Date: October 24
Hosted by: Leadership Florida, Florida Press Association, Broward College
Moderator: Todd McDermott (WPBF 25 News anchor)
Panelists: Isadora Rangel (public affairs and engagement editor at Florida Today), Anthony Man (political writer at the Sun-Sentinel)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Senate candidates:
Rick Scott (R)
Bill Nelson (D) -- incumbent
debate:
Date: October 2
Hosted by: Telemundo
Moderators: Marilys Llanos (WSCV-TV reporter and presenter), Jackie Nespral (WTVJ-TV anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions
Climate threats: Georgia is at risk from extreme heat, wildfires, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Brian Kemp (R)
Stacey Abrams (D)
Ted Metz (Libertarian)
debate:
Date: October 23
Hosted by: Atlanta Press Club
Moderator: Lisa Rayam (Georgia Public Broadcasting capital correspondent)
Panelists: Greg Bluestein (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution political reporter), Elwyn Lopez (WXIA reporter), Frank Malloy (WMAZ anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Illinois is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Bruce Rauner (R) -- incumbent
J.B. Pritzker (D)
Kash Jackson (Libertarian)
Sam McCann (Conservative)
debates:
Date: September 20
Hosted by: NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV), Telemundo Chicago, Union League Club of Chicago, Chicago Urban League
Moderator: Carol Marin (WMAQ-TV political editor)
Video: YouTube
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 3
Hosted by: WLS-TV, Univision, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education
Moderator: Alan Krashesky (WLS-TV anchor/reporter)
Panelists: Craig Wall (WLS-TV political reporter), Erika Maldonado (Univision Chicago anchor)
Video: ABC 7’s YouTube channel: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 11
Hosted by: WGEM, Illinois Broadcasters Association
Moderator: Gene Kennedy (WGEM evening anchor/producer)
Panelists: Natalie Will (WGEM anchor), Bobby Oler (HOI News), Caitlin Knute (WEEK-TV anchor), James Stratton (WREX anchor), Doug Wilson (Herald-Whig senior writer)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderators and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Indiana is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Mike Braun (R)
Joe Donnelly (D) -- incumbent
Lucy Brenton (Libertarian)
debates:
Date: October 8
Hosted by: Indiana Debate Commission
Moderator: Anne Ryder (Indiana University Media School senior lecturer)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Ryder asked Braun, Donnelly, and Brenton what the U.S. government should do to address climate change. See the transcript and video:
Date: October 30
Hosted by: Indiana Debate Commission
Moderator: Amna Nawaz (PBS NewsHour anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Nawaz told the candidates that several voters were not satisfied with answers they gave about climate change during a previous debate. She then read a viewer question asking the candidates to detail what they would do specifically to combat climate change. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Iowa is at risk from drought, inland flooding, and extreme heat, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Kim Reynolds (R) -- incumbent
Fred Hubbell (D)
Debates:
Date: October 10
Hosted by: The Des Moines Register, KCCI-TV
Moderators: Steve Karlin (KCCI anchor), Kathie Obradovich (The Des Moines Register)
Video: KCCI’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 17
Hosted by: KTIV-TV, KTTC-TV, KWWL-TV
Moderator: Matt Breen (KTIV anchor)
Panelists: Tom Overlie (KTTC anchor), Ron Steele (KWWL anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderators and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 21
Hosted by: KCRG-TV, KWQC-TV, The Quad-City Times
Moderator: David Nelson (KWQC anchor)
Panelists: Jenna Jackson (KWQC anchor/reporter), Forrest Saunders (KCRG anchor/reporter), Erin Murphy (Lee Enterprise Des Moines bureau chief)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Jackson referenced the recent United Nations report on climate change before asking the candidates if they accepted the science of climate change and the impact it will have globally. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Kansas is at risk from extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Kris Kobach (R)
Laura Kelly (D)
Greg Orman (independent)
debates:
Date: September 5
Hosted by: Johnson County Bar Association
Moderator: Nick Haines (KCPT-TV news host/executive producer)
Video: KCPT-TV YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: September 8
Hosted by: Kansas State Fair, WIBW
Moderator: Greg Akagi (WIBW farm and sports broadcaster)
Video: WIBW’S Facebook page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 16
Hosted by: KOFO
Audio: KOFO’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 25
Hosted by: Southwest Kansas Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Marieta Hauser (Grant County Chamber of Commerce director)
Audio: KSCB News.net
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 30
Hosted by: Nexstar Broadcasting Group
Moderator: Jeff Herndon (KSN anchor)
Panelists: Jessica Schaer (KSN anchor), Bob Beatty (KSNT political analyst)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Maine is at risk from extreme heat, drought, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Shawn Moody (R)
Janet Mills (D)
Terry Hayes (independent)
Alan Caron (independent) (withdrew from race on October 29)
debates:
Date: September 10
Hosted by: Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Beckie Conrad (Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce president)
Video: Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Facebook page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: September 13
Hosted by: Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2Tech)
Moderator: Carol Coultas (Portland Press Herald business editor)
Video: Google Drive
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions, despite the fact that the debate was focused on the topics of energy and the environment. But the candidates did address climate change in their answers to some questions.
Date: October 3
Hosted by: Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Quincy Hentzel (Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, CEO)
Video: Portland Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 10
Hosted by: Portland Press Herald, University of New England
Moderator: Carol Coultas (Portland Press Herald business editor)
Panelists: Bill Nemitz (Portland Press Herald columnist), Greg Kesich (Portland Press Herald editorial page editor)
Video: Portland Press Herald’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: Panelist Nemitz and moderator Coultas asked questions that spurred a discussion about climate change and renewable energy. See the transcript and video:
Date: October 25
Hosted by: WMTW Channel 8
Moderator: Meghan Torjussen (WMTW anchor)
Panelists: Paul Merrill (WMTW political reporter), John Small (WABI assistant news director), Katie Zarrilli (WAGM reporter)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Panelist Small asked the candidates to discuss their plans to address the impacts of climate change and transition Maine to renewable energy. Watch the video:
Date: October 28
Hosted by: Maine Public
Moderator: Jennifer Rooks (Maine Public public affairs host/producer)
Panelists: Steve Mistler (Main Public chief political correspondent), Mal Leary (Maine Public political correspondent)
Video: Maine Public.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: November 1
Hosted by: WGME
Moderator: Gregg Lagerquist (WGME anchor)
Panelist: Mike Shepherd (The Bangor Daily News reporter)
Video: The Bangor Daily News’ Facebook page
Climate questions: The moderator and panelist did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Michigan is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Bill Schuette (R)
Gretchen Whitmer (D)
debates:
Date: October 12
Hosted by: WOOD-TV
Moderator: Rick Albin (WOOD-TV political reporter)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 24
Hosted by: WDIV-TV
Moderators: Kimberly Gill (WDIV-TV anchor), Devin Scillian (WDIV-TV anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Scillian referenced the United Nations report on climate change, then asked the candidates if they agreed with the 14 governors who pledged to abide by the terms of the Paris agreement and what their approaches would be to combating climate change. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Minnesota is at risk from drought and extreme heat, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Jeff Johnson (R)
Tim Walz (D)
debates:
Date: August 17
Hosted by: Twin Cities PBS
Moderators: Cathy Wurzer (Almanac host), Eric Eskola (Almanac host)
Video: Twin Cities PBS.org
Climate questions: Moderator Wurzer asked Johnson and Walz how they would enable cities to respond and adapt to climate change. See the transcript and video:
Date: August 31
Hosted by: Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)
Moderator: Mike Mulcahy (MPR political editor)
Video: MPR News Facebook page
Climate questions: Moderator Mulcahy asked both Johnson and Walz about their positions on climate change. See the transcript and video:
Date: September 19
Hosted by: TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Nick Halter (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal senior reporter/broadcaster)
Video: YouTube
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 9
Hosted by: Minnesota Corn Growers Association, WCCO Minnesota AgriGrowth
Moderators: Chad Hartman (WCCO host), Blois Olson (WCCO political analyst)
Audio: WBRN Radio’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 21
Hosted by: Metropolitan State University
Moderators: Paul Folger (KSTP anchor), Leah McLean (KSTP anchor/reporter)
Video: WDIO’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: November 2
Hosted by: Twin Cities PBS
Moderators: Cathy Wurzer (Almanac host), Eric Eskola (Almanac host)
Video: Twin Cities PBS.org
Climate questions: Moderator Wurzer asked the candidates if they would increase renewable energy standards and encourage new technologies or let the free market decide the best way to meet state goals for greenhouse gas reduction. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Missouri is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Josh Hawley (R)
Claire McCaskill (D) -- incumbent
Jo Crain (Green)
Craig O’Dear (independent)
debateS:
Date: September 14
Hosted by: Missouri Press Association
Moderator: David Lieb (Associated Press correspondent)
Video: Hawley’s Facebook page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 18
Hosted by: St. Louis Public Radio, KSDK-TV's 5 On Your Side, Nine Network of Public Media
Moderator: Judy Woodruff (PBS NewsHour managing editor)
Panelists: Jo Mannies (St. Louis Public Radio reporter), Mike Bush (5 On Your Side anchor)
Video: PBS NewsHour’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions, although an audience member did.
Date: October 25
Hosted by: KMBC
Moderators: Kris Ketz (KMBC anchor), Micheal Mahoney (KMBC correspondent)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask a climate-related question.
Nevada
Climate threats: Nevada is at risk from drought, extreme heat, and wildfires, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Adam Laxalt (R)
Steve Sisolak (D)
No debates were held.
Senate candidates:
Dean Heller (R)
Jacky Rosen (D)
debate:
Date: October 19
Hosted by: Telemundo, News 4 (KRNV-DT), News 3 (KSNV-TV)
Moderator: Denise Valez (KLAS anchor)
Panelists: Steve Sebelius (KLAS anchor), Tsi-Tsi-Ki Félix (KINC anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Panelist Sebelius noted the United Nations’ recent report on climate change and listed some of the dangers of climate change like droughts, extreme heat, and poverty, then asked the candidates what policies they would support to address climate change. Watch the video:
Climate threats: New Mexico is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Steve Pearce (R)
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)
debates:
Date: September 19
Hosted by: KRQE-TV
Moderator: Dean Staley (KRQE-TV anchor)
Video: News 13 (KRQE-TV) YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 16
Hosted by: KOB Channel 4
Moderators: Tessa Mentus (KOB anchor), Steve Soliz (KOB anchor)
Video: KOB.com
Climate questions: There were no climate-related questions asked during the debate.
Date: October 24
Hosted by: KOAT-TV, Albuquerque Journal
Moderator: Doug Fernandez (KOAT anchor)
Panelists: Shelly Ribando (KOAT anchor), Kent Walz (Albuquerque Journal senior editor)
Video: KOAT.com
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: North Dakota is at risk from extreme heat and inland flooding, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Kevin Cramer (R)
Heidi Heitkamp (D) -- incumbent
debates:
Date: October 18
Hosted by: North Dakota Newspaper Association
Moderator: Korrie Wenzel (Grand Forks Herald publisher)
Panelists: Steve Wagner (Grand Forks Herald editor), Cecile Wehrman (Journal Publishing president), Owen Piehl (The MHS Courier editor)
Video: Grand Forks Herald.com
Climate questions: Panelist Wagner asked the candidates what the United States should do to address global climate change given that North Dakota’s economy relies on oil and coal development. Watch the video:
Climate threats: Ohio is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Mike DeWine (R)
Richard Cordray (D)
debates:
Date: September 19
Hosted by: University of Dayton, Cox Media Group Ohio
Moderator: James Brown (WHIO-TV news anchor)
Panelists: Jim Otte (WHIO-TV investigative reporter), Laura Bischoff (Dayton Daily News reporter), Christopher Devine (University of Dayton assistant professor of political science)
Video: CBS News YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 1
Hosted by: Marietta College
Moderator: Colleen Marshall (NBC 4 anchor)
Video: NBC 4’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: There were no climate-related questions asked during the townhall.
Date: October 8
Hosted by: Cleveland State University, Ohio Debate Commission
Moderator: Karen Kasler (Ohio Public Radio and Television statehouse bureau chief)
Panelists: Jackie Borchardt (Cincinnati Enquirer Columbus bureau chief), Jerry Revish (WBNS-TV anchor)
Video: WLWT’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Senate candidates:
Jim Renacci (R)
Sherrod Brown (D) -- incumbent
debates:
Date: October 14
Hosted by: Ohio Debate Commission
Moderators: Ann Fisher (WOSU Public Media host), Russ Mitchell (WKYC-TV anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Fisher asked Renacci and Brown for their reactions to the recent United Nations report on climate change. See the video and transcript here:
Date: October 20
Hosted by: WCMH, WOSU
Moderator: Colleen Marshall (WCMH anchor)
Panelists: Mark Allan (WDTN anchor), Mike Jackson (WCMH anchor), Mike Thompson (WOSU director)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Panelist Jackson referenced the United Nations' recent climate report before asking Renacci if he agreed with President Trump's climate denial. Watch the video:
Date: October 26
Hosted by: WLWT
Moderator: Sheree Paolello (WLWT anchor)
Panelists: Ashley Kirkien (WLWT anchor/reporter), Curtis Fuller (WLWT anchor/reporter), Dr. John Forren (Miami University (Ohio) associate professor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Oregon is at risk from drought, wildfires, extreme heat, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Knute Buehler (R)
Kate Brown (D) -- incumbent
Patrick Starnes (Independent Party of Oregon)
debates:
Date: October 2
Hosted by: Children First for Oregon, KOIN-TV, Pamplin Media Group
Moderators: Jeff Gianola (KOIN-TV anchor), Shasta Kearns Moore (Portland Tribune education reporter)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: There were no climate-related questions asked during the debate.
Date: October 4
Hosted by: KOBI-TV
Moderator: Craig Smullin (KOBI/KOTI news director)
Panelists: Kristin Hosfelt (KOBI/KOTI executive producer and anchor), Patricia Smullin (KOBI/KOTI president)
Video: KOBI-TV’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 9
Hosted by: KGW-TV, The Oregonian
Moderator: Tracy Barry (KGW anchor)
Panelists: Steve Duin (Oregonian columnist), Hillary Borrud (Oregonian reporter), Laural Porter (KGW anchor)
Video: KGW’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: Panelist Duin asked both Buehler and Brown about leadership in addressing climate change, and a voter asked a question about clean energy. See the transcript and video:
Climate threats: Rhode Island is at risk from extreme heat, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Allan Fung (R)
Gina Raimondo (D) -- incumbent
Joe Trillo (independent)
debates:
Date: September 27
Hosted by: Roger Williams University
Moderator: Danielle North (WPRI-TV anchor)
Panelists: Tim White (WPRI-TV investigative reporter), Ted Nesi (WPRI-TV political/economic reporter)
Video: WPRI-12’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 15
Hosted by: The Providence Journal, The Public's Radio, University of Rhode Island
Moderator: Ian Donnis (The Public’s Radio political reporter)
Panelists: Patrick Anderson (The Providence Journal reporter), Lianna Blakeman (The Good Five editor-in-chief)
Video: The Providence Journal’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: Moderator Blakeman, a student journalist, mentioned the recent United Nations' report on climate change and asked the candidates how they would protect the state's coastline. Watch the video:
Date: November 1
Hosted by: WJAR, American Democracy Project
Moderator: Gene Valicenti (WJAR anchor)
Video: WPRI.com
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Tennessee is at risk from extreme heat, drought, inland flooding, and wildfires, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Marsha Blackburn (R)
Phil Bredesen (D)
Debates:
Date: September 25
Hosted by: The Tennessean, League of Women Voters of Tennessee, WTVF-TV, WNPT-TV
Moderators: Rhori Johnston (WTVF-TV anchor), David Plazas (The Tennessean opinion engagement editor)
Video: The Tennessean’s YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 10
Hosted by: Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Nextar Media Group
Moderator: Katina Rankin (WATN anchor)
Panelists: Richard Ransom (WATN anchor), Kristin Farley (WATE anchor), Bob Mueller (WKRN anchor)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Texas is at risk from extreme heat, drought, coastal flooding, and wildfires, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Ted Cruz (R) -- incumbent
Beto O’Rourke (D)
debates:
Date: September 21
Hosted by: Southern Methodist University, The Dallas Morning News, KXAS-TV
Moderators: Julie Fine (KXAS-TV political reporter), Gromer Jeffers (The Dallas Morning News political writer)
Video: NBC News YouTube page
Climate questions: The moderators did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 16
Hosted by: KENS Channel 5
Moderators: Sarah Forgany (KENS 5 news anchor), Jason Whitely (WFAA senior reporter)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: Moderator Whitely asked Cruz about his history of climate change denial. See the transcript and video:
Climate threats: West Virginia is at risk from extreme heat and inland flooding, among other threats.
Senate candidates:
Patrick Morrisey (R)
Joe Manchin (D) -- incumbent
Debate:
Date: November 1
Hosted by: West Virginia Broadcasters Association
Moderator: Hoppy Kercheval (MetroNews host)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator did not ask any climate-related questions.
Climate threats: Wisconsin is at risk from extreme heat, drought, and inland flooding, among other threats.
Governor candidates:
Scott Walker (R) -- incumbent
Tony Evers (D)
debates:
Date: October 19
Hosted by: Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Moderator: Jill Geisler (journalist)
Panelists: Leigh Mills (WMTV anchor), Jessica Arp (WISC reporter), Emilee Fannon (WKOW reporter), Lupita Montoto (La Movida Radio host)
Video: C-SPAN.org
Climate questions: The moderator and panelists did not ask any climate-related questions.
Date: October 26
Hosted by: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Moderators: Charles Benson (WTMJ-TV anchor), Shannon Sims (WTMJ-TV anchor), Mitch Teich (WUWM-FM host)
Video: WisconsinEye’s YouTube channel
Climate questions: Moderator Sims asked a reader question submitted via Twitter that noted extreme weather in Wisconsin and inquired how the candidates would mitigate the effects of climate change. Watch the video: